Calm waters lapping against the rocky shore and the rush of the wind are the only sounds to disturb the tranquility of this solitary spot. What more perfect place for quiet contemplation? That’s likely what architect Andrew Rotinov was thinking when in 2000 he erected a tiny house of God in this remote corner of Greater St. Petersburg. The timber church, dedicated to Saint Andrew the Apostle, is built on a rock in the middle of the Vuoksi River. Worshippers will need to take a boat.

GETTING THERE FROM GERMANY

Lufthansa flies daily from Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC) to St. Petersburg (LED). A two-hour drive north toward the Finnish border will take you to Vasilyevo.